According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million American have diabetes or pre-diabetes. While there is no cure for diabetes, physical therapy can help patients dealing with the condition improve their quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks with less pain. Physical therapy can also alleviate the skin issues that often accompany diabetes.
If you are suffering from diabetes, alert your therapist from the first visit. They will conduct an assessment that takes into account your condition, including factors like blood glucose levels. From this testing, they will develop a customized program that meets your treatment needs.
The plan will include safe exercises designed with your current movement and strength levels in mind.
Training will include movements that can improve strength, raise endurance levels, and increase flexibility and range of motion. A stronger and more limber body leads to less pain on a daily basis. As your treatment progresses, you may also find a greater sense of balance and coordination, which helps to prevent falls. Physical activity has been shown to reduce blood glucose levels. In order to help health sores, a therapist can apply bandages and wraps. Skin checks will help to prevent new sores from forming.
Your therapist won’t just help during your office visits. They will provide safe exercises for you to perform at home so you can improve between visits. It’s important to follow prescribed routines in order to avoid overexerting yourself. Over the course of treatment, you should consult with you therapist so exercises can be tailored as you grow stronger and more flexible.
Diabetes is a serious condition, but physical therapy can be part of a treatment plan that minimizes the impact it has on your life.
Rue and Primavera Occupational and Physical Therapy
